Sticks and Stones

Long ago, when I was a kid, there was a pouty little statement that we used to say regularly: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” At the time we kids had no idea how wrong that statement was. We did not even consider the often violent content a charged sentence could hold when we hurled slurs and epithets at others.

Listener....

We know now. We know how the cut of a hateful statement can feel to a vulnerable listener, and if we have angry intentions behind our words, we also know that they often cannot be called back. So why would we even think about shouting hurtful comments at anyone? What is to be gained by enraging or decimating others with speech that is purposely damaging? Certainly this does nothing to calm the atmosphere or ensure a creative field.

Power...

Wisdom would tell us to think carefully and lovingly before we speak so that we may continue to bring good intentions and good vibes everywhere we go. We know that words have the power to agitate or ease, to encourage or upset. Since we use words all the time in dealing with others, it is the responsibility of people with good hearts to make sure that they add to the general well-being of the listeners using wonderful, creative language.

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